Favorite General Purpose Pump 12GA?

Remington may have been found wanting in quality with some of their current offerings, but the 8 million 870's sold since it first came out speak for themselves.

Older 870's are better, especially the wingmasters. But I have noticed recently the price of used Wingmasters going up. Used Mossbergs can't be given away.
 
870 would be my choice.

The Mossberg 500. A top tang safety is much quicker and easier.
Click to expand...

I do not understand this myth. I can pop my 870 safety off with a little pressure from the second joint of my trigger finger. There is no perceptable movement to do this.
The Mossy's are fine guns but the tang safety is not a plus as far as I can see. It is impossible to move that safety without readjusting your grip. Why is this better?
 
I happen to be a Mossberg fan, but to each his own. Mine is a Maverick 88. The "tang top" safety of the Mossberg line works better for a lof of left-handed shooters.

I really like the fit and finish of the Classic 870 Wingmaster, but the Mossbergs just "fit" me better.
 
My winchester 1300 black shadow 21" turkey gun,have several chokes, short enough to fit in the jeep upright rack, has a sling shoots 3 ", and has a synthetic stock,what more could you ask for??????
 
9mm Mike, the top tang safety is not a myth. You might be able to easily and quickly use the dreaded crossbolt safety, but that would be in spite of its location, not because of it.
The thumb is wider, stronger, and more independent of the other digits on the hand, making it the natural choice for safety duty.

The top tang safety can be cleared with a sweeping motion, whereas the crossbolt safety must be searched out (find the triggerguard, and go forwards or backwards from there.)

I will be the first to admit that I might be prejudiced because I am a lefty, and suffered the ignomity of having to hook my finger over and around the trigger guard on righthanded guns. But even on guns where the crossbolt can be reversed, (My Model 12) these type safeties always felt clumsy. I just feel that trigger fingers are for triggers, and the thumb is for the safety, and I will never forgive Ruger for screwing up their Model 77 rifle with that ridiculous wing safety, but that is for the rifle section.
 
Well to answer your question to the letter: MY all around pump gun is a Model 31 Remington 12 ga 2/34" with a 26" overall ribbed barrel including the poly choke. MUCH smoother than ANY other pump, 5 shots, take down instantly and built like a cross between a Rolex and a bank Vault. It weighs 7.75 pounds with a LOP of 13 1/2". Allthough I have many shotties for every purpose,if I have to go some where and just may need a shotgun, this one goes with me! :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top